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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 988
 
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will also remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Learn more about the Lifeline and 988.

Board Policy 5141.52 – Suicide Prevention

The Governing Board recognizes that suicide is a major cause of death among youth and should be taken seriously. The purpose of this policy is to protect the health and well-being of all district students by having procedures in place to prevent, assess the risk of, intervene in, and respond to suicide.
 

Suicide Prevention Awareness 

Suicide Prevention Awareness 

The month of September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which is a
campaign in response to the need to raise awareness of suicide prevention and provide schools and communities with an opportunity to educate students, parents, and others about their role in suicide prevention.
 
 
Building awareness of suicide and removing the fear and stigma people have when it comes to speaking about suicide is essential. As part of the 2022-23 awareness campaign - “It’s okay to talk about suicide" - EGU News interviewed two of the District’s Mental Health Therapists about strategies parents, educators and students can use to help prevent suicide in our youth.
 
Here is a link to that interview featuring Nona Henson and Kim Rawson.

Warning Signs

Warning signs are observable behaviors that may signal the presence of suicidal thinking. They might be considered “cries for help ”or “invitations to intervene.” We encourage our staff to follow your instincts, it is not overreacting. Please communicate with your counselor or mental heath professional on site if you observe behaviors that concern you.
  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness
  • Changes in sleep patterns or eating habits
  • Significant changes in behavior, appearance, thoughts, and/or feelings

What to Do When Faced with a Student in Crisis

Saving lives often begins with asking a question.
  • Ask the difficult question. “Have you had thoughts about killing yourself?” Do not offer unrealistic reassurances.
  • Paraphrase what you are hearing the student say. This will support your ability to monitor how accurately you are understanding what the student is saying. For example, “I understand when you say that you aren’t sure if you want to live or die, but have you always wanted to die? Well, maybe there’s a chance you won’t feel that way forever. I can help.”
  • Providing information about a current or upcoming life transition can help lessen anxiety. Remember, your job is not to act in the role of the mental health professional.
  • Connect the student with a counselor, administrator or mental health professional immediately. Maintain visual contact with student at all times.
  • Always provide a student with a 24-hour crisis number. Have them put the contact information into their phone if possible.
  • Be aware of the identified individuals on your site who are working with you to provide more long-term professional support.

What to Avoid When Helping a Student in Crisis

  • The student could be in a state of chaos and confusion, so how you model your emotions is key.
  • In an effort to provide support, be careful that you are not providing your opinions.
  • Avoid being impatient, judgmental or shocked.
  • Be careful not to minimize the student’s experience but do not overreact as it may cause the student to shut down.
  • Base the foundation of your relationship on honesty and trust.
  • Do not promise secrecy in an effort to glean information regarding the crisis.

Substance Abuse Prevention

The Youth Development Office has a team of dedicated staff that are charged with delivering programs, training and resources to schools, parents and the community in the areas of youth development; tobacco, alcohol and other drug use prevention.

EGUSD Mental Health Resources

Elk Grove Unified School District has school counselors, psychologists and mental health therapists available at our schools. They have been trained to assess suicidal ideation and respond appropriately to the level of threat identified.

 

It is the top priority of Elk Grove Unified School District to ensure the safety of the students in our schools. Please use our counselors, psychologists, and mental health therapists as resources, in addition to the information provided on this website.

 

You will find information about the warning signs and risk factors of youth suicide, as well as how to respond if you find out your child has suicidal thoughts or attempts. Provided are local and national crisis hotline information as well as website resource links.
Teenage Boy Sits Between His Friends Holding a Cigarette

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is an eight hour public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.
 
Be the one to make a difference and sign up for a Youth Mental Health First Aid training today:
  • Community Member Registration – Check back soon for updated information.
  • EGUSD Employee Registration – Check PL Essentials through the portal.

Every Life is Worth Saving
Suicide Prevention School and Community Resources:

Suicide Prevention School and Community Resources:

EGUSD Counselors, School Psychologists, and Mental Health Therapists.
 
 
Local Suicide Prevention Crisis Line
(916) 368-3111
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call, text or chat 988 or 1 (800) 273-TALK (800-273-8255)
 
Website Resource Links

Behavioral Health and Counseling Services

Elk Grove Unified schools have implemented positive behavior support plans to eliminate or reduce high risk behaviors, bullying and stress at the school sites with the aim of ensuring the safety and well-being of students through a comprehensive plan that offers psychological and other counseling services, as well as strategies to educate students, parents and staff about how to live a healthy lifestyle.